Local Transportation Assessment Overview
In addition to the VMT analysis required by CEQA, the City of Santa Fe Springs mandates a Local Transportation Assessment (LTA) to identify potential safety and operational issues. This evaluation uses Level of Service (LOS) metrics to assess the impact of land development and infrastructure projects while ensuring multimodal transportation aligns with the City’s General Plan policies.
If a project significantly degrades traffic operations or safety, the City may require improvements, which should consider not only roadway modifications but also enhancements for transit, bicycles, and pedestrians. The LTA examines how the LOS of key intersections and roadway segments changes due to a project, starting with existing conditions. If operational degradation is found, the LTA proposes necessary improvements to accommodate additional travel demands.
City standards require intersections and roadway segments to maintain a minimum LOS of D or better. Traffic counts used in the analysis must be recent (within four months) and conducted under typical traffic conditions, excluding holidays, construction periods, and other unusual circumstances. Any work on City rights-of-way will require a permit, which the City may provide without a fee.
Local Transportation Assessment Study Scope
The City is primarily concerned with operational and safety impacts in several scenarios, including project-generated traffic that exceeds intersection capacity, interferes with traffic flow, or impacts residential streets. Additionally, access locations that pose safety risks or nonresidential uses that increase truck traffic in residential areas are also key concerns.
An LTA is required if a project generates additional vehicle trips during peak hours at a signalized intersection or other operationally sensitive locations. Study locations are determined in consultation with City staff and should include project driveways and intersections within 1,000 feet of the site, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.
Local Transportation Assessment Report Contents
Project Description
The LTA must include a detailed description of the project, including factors like dwelling units, office space, or employment figures that quantify traffic generation. A site plan, study area map, and a description of proposed driveways, streets, and parking facilities are also required.
Transportation Circulation Setting
This section must assess the existing and proposed site uses, focusing on pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities. The project must describe or map infrastructure within ¼ mile, including sidewalks, crossings, transit amenities, and bike lanes. Existing roadways and intersections near the project must also be described.
Analysis and Identification of Operational Deficiencies
The LTA should provide a trip generation analysis using factors from the latest ITE Trip Generation Manual, with allowances for internal or pass-by trip reductions, subject to City approval. Trip distribution diagrams and related project lists must be included, and LOS analysis must assess existing and future traffic conditions, identifying deficiencies that require operational improvements. Signalized intersections must maintain LOS D, and unsignalized intersections must meet signal warrant standards.
If operational deficiencies are found, the LTA should propose feasible operational improvements, such as optimizing access points, modifying signals, or adding turning lanes. In cases where traffic signals are warranted, project contributions may be required based on peak-hour volumes.
On-Site Parking Analysis and Access and Circulation
The LTA must assess on-site parking supply versus City code requirements, including shared parking evaluations for mixed-use developments. Access and circulation analysis should address factors like driveway spacing, signalization, and pedestrian connections, ensuring adequate site distance and operational efficiency.
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